Nash County highlights senior center, water lines, public safety and job growth in 2025 State of the County

Chairman Marvin Arrington delivered Nash County's 2025 State of the County address, citing investments in facilities, emergency communications and economic development and introducing the full Board of Commissioners. "It's my honor to present the annual state of the county address," Arrington said, framing 2025 as a year of strategic investments to position the county for long-term success.

Arrington opened by listing capital projects completed or underway that will affect residents' daily lives: a groundbreaking for a 6,700-square-foot expansion of the Nash County Senior Center that will add fitness space, classrooms and a game room; design work to convert a former fellowship church into a Nash County Recreation Center; consolidation of county health department services onto the UNC Nash Hospital campus; and exterior restoration work on the historic Nash County Courthouse expected to finish in 2026.

The board also advanced infrastructure projects, Arrington said. Phase two of the Northern Nash water system is nearing completion and will add about 19 miles of water lines and wells to improve the county's water supply. Phase two of Miracle Park was completed with a new event stage and walking path, and the county finalized land acquisition and designs for a new Southern Nash Middle School while completing a fieldhouse at Northern Nash High School in time for the 2025 football season.

Public safety upgrades featured prominently in the address. Arrington said emergency management acquired Starlink satellite internet to preserve communications during emergencies and that the county received a drone from the Gary Sinise Foundation to assist fire investigations and search-and-rescue operations. The county also replaced call-handling equipment in 911 and upgraded radio antenna systems to better synchronize signals across the jurisdiction. County EMS, 911 and emergency management have begun developing a new strategic plan to meet growth and future service demands.

The Nash County Sheriff's Office reported that all sworn vacancies were filled following aggressive recruitment and a revised pay-and-rank structure. Arrington said the county plans to assign a full-time school resource officer in every elementary school and described enforcement results, noting deputies seized more than 100 firearms and reported significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and other illegal narcotics.

Health and human services progress included the health department's accreditation in 2025 and expanded outreach programs, including community baby showers. Environmental Health launched a web portal to allow residents to view restaurant inspection grades and violations. The Department of Social Services held a community resource fair and Veterans Services assisted more than 700 veterans with benefits and resources while holding its first Veterans Day service. The county also hosted a wellness and recovery fair and an annual meeting on the opioid settlement to share progress on prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.

Animal services received attention as well: the Pet Connection Center added staff positions, strengthened protocols and expanded Saturday adoption hours, with the county citing partnerships with advocacy groups such as PARNC to increase adoptions.

On economic development, Arrington reported the county welcomed 120 new jobs and $45.5 million in capital investment in 2025, and described a project pipeline of more than 83 active projects representing potential for over 15,000 jobs and $12 billion in capital investment. To support growth, the county invested in site readiness, including constructing a shell building at the Nashville Business Center and making improvements at the Middle Sex Corporate Center. Arrington said more than $4 million in grant funding helped support many of the projects mentioned.

Arrington closed by introducing his fellow commissioners by name and district and stressing that Nash County is presently financially stable and prepared to meet future challenges. "Together, we have strengthened our communities and will continue building on this momentum in the years ahead," he said.

The address outlined ongoing projects and set expectations for work continuing into 2026; no formal votes or motions were recorded during the prepared remarks.